Ninna-ji (Nin'na-ji) temple
Ninna-ji, the headquarters of Shingon-shu Omuro-ha Buddhist sect, has the oldest of the existing Shishinden buildings. Goten area of the precinct was the living quarters of Monzeki (the imperial chief priest). In this area are beautiful buildings and a good Chisen-Kansho-shiki (pond-viewing) garden.
Ninna-ji had been headed by ex-imperial princes and the highest ranked Monzeki temple until the Meiji Restoration (1867).
The big Monzeki temple is one of 17 world cultural heritage sites of Kyoto.
History of Ninna-ji
Ninna-ji dates back to the second year of Ninna (886) when construction was started to realize the wish of Emperor Kohkoh (830-887). The emperor passed away the next year and the next emperor Uda (867-931) took over the wish and the construction was completed the same year or early next year (888).
Emperor Uda abdicated the throne and became the chief priest of Ninna-ji in 899. Thus, he became the first imperial leader of Buddhism, Ho'o. He built a residence in the precinct that was called with reverence "Omuro". In the year 1018, the fourth son of Emperor Sanjo became the second imperial chief priest, followed by sons or grandsons of emperors. Because of this, Ninna-ji became the highest ranked monzeki temple.
In the year 1119, most of the buildings of Ninna-ji were burnt down. In the year 1468, Ninna-ji was set fire by the Yamanas, one of the opposing armies of the Onin civil war, and reduced to ashes.
In 1575, then most powerful daimyo (a Japanese feudal lord) Oda Nobunaga contributed the land for the temple. In 1634, the Tokugawa third shogun Iemitsu donated money for reconstruction of the temple buildings. Shishinden hall of the Imperial palace was moved to Ninna-ji and was altered into Kondo, the main hall of the Buddhist temple. The materials of Seiryoden were used to build Miedo in 1637. In 1646, reconstruction of the buildings were completed.
In 1867, the regime of Japan was changed from the shogunate government to imperial government. The new government abolished the institution of monzeki and the last monzeki left the temple and returned to secular imperial prince.
In 1887, the buildings of goten were burnet down and rebuilt about two decades later.
How to get to Ninna-ji
- 41 minutes from Kyoto Station to Omuro-Ninna-ji by Kyoto City Bus No. 26, or
- 10 minutes from Kinkaku-ji Mae to Omuro-Ninna-ji on Kyoto City Bus No. 59, or
- 36 minutes from Sanjo-Keihan Mae to Omuro-Ninna-ji on Kyoto City Bus 59, or
- 3 minutes of walk from Omuro-Ninna-ji station of Keifuku Railway Kitano Line.
Hours and Admission
Hours:
Goten and Reiho-kan (a museum of the temple treasures and cultural assets): 9:00-16:30 (admission ends at 16:00)
Except above: 7:30-16:30
NOTE: Reiho-kan is open to the public from April 1 to the fourth Sunday of May and from October 1 to November 23 only.
Admission:
Goten or Reiho-kan:
Primary school children and Junior High School students (1st to 9th graders):
300 Yen,
Those older than the above: 500 Yen.
Precinct during Sakura-matsuri (Cherry blossom festival):
Primary school children and Junior High School students (1st to 9th graders):
200 Yen,
Those older than the above: 500 Yen.
Precinct EXCEPT during Sakura-matsuri:
Free.
Photos of Ninna-ji
Click on a photo for full image.
